XVIII. Salem

The name “Salem” and the Hebrew word “shalom,” meaning peace, come from the same root. In this window, the dove of peace comes with an olive branch in its beak, reminding us of the hopeful ending of the story of Noah and the flood.

The ark on the waves symbolizes the peace which comes from complete trust in God’s promises.

The word “peace” is also a part of the name of the Holy City, Jerusalem. The Psalmist has prayed for the peace of that city, a peace which was understood to mean shalom for all God’s people. The engraved words: “Peace be within your walls,” and “Peace be within thee!” are from the one hundred and twenty second Psalm and are also a prayer that within the walls of this sanctuary, all will find peace: peace with neighbor and peace with God.